Napoli cannot fail to win Scudetto, says Conte

Juventus coach Antonio Conte believes Napoli have no excuse for failing to win the Scudetto this season, ahead of their clash on Sunday.

The two teams sit level on points in second and third place in Serie A after strong starts to their respective campaigns, and both will be seeking victory in Turin to keep pace with leaders Roma.

However, Conte insists that Rafa Benitez's side are by far the strongest candidates in Italy to seize the league crown, after reinforcing with the likes of former Real Madrid players Gonzalo Higuain, Jose Callejon and Raul Albiol over the summer.

'They finished second, spent €90 million in the transfer market and I think Benitez is intelligent enough to realise that he won’t have achieved anything if Napoli don’t win the Scudetto,' the 44-year-old told reporters.'I’ve heard him say that Napoli are still at 75 per cent and that’s something that slightly concerns me. When they reach 100% they will be out of sight.'Higuain cost €40m and that says all you need to know about him. We played Real Madrid [in the Champions League] and appreciated their technical level. Napoli have purchased three players from them.'

The Bianconeri were in the race to snap Higuain up before opting for Manchester City's Carlos Tevez instead, and Conte revealed he harbours no regrets over that signing or Fernando Llorente.

'Comparisons? They’re two formidable strikers,' the Italian continued. 'Higuain is a poacher and thrives in and around the box, while Carlos also enjoys assisting team-mates.

'I’m happy with our choices and I wouldn’t change anything. Fernando can and must improve and it’s down to him to continue with the professional approach he’s shown during this first part of the season.

'Returning to the international fold could be an added motivation for him, along with the competition we’ve got here.'

Tevez has enjoyed a prolific start to his Juventus career by scoring seven goals, while Llorente netted twice in his side's Champions League clashes against Madrid.